007_1918 Apr 16

April 16, 1918 Dear Brother Theron: Received a letter from you yesterday mailed March 22nd will answer it now. So far have not heard a word from Jack, but for the last few weeks have been on the move. We left our sector where we have been practically all winter for repoe. Troops marched and we picked up those who were sick or unable to keep up. On arriving at our destination was notified that I and four other lads could go to Aux la Bains on leave. Went through Paris and took in the cafes and show. Then on to Bains. Arrived in morning and that eve received a telegram to return to section at once. Found our section on the 25th directly in the center of the big push. Went on duty that evening and that night we had four different posts. We would leave when Fritz came in one end of the town. Had nine posts in less than four days. You see we were in an entirely new sector, no maps, no lights, roads crowded with trucks, refugees, ambulances, staff cars and animals. The artillery fire was deafening, never ceasing from morning to night. Then when you took a load of wounded to a hospital it was a toss up as to who would greet you at the post (Fritz or French). Also you might start for one hospital- find it full or evacuated and hunt for another which might be the same (This at night as well as day) in a strange sector. Well to make it short we were finally relieved after a week of this and taken a little ways back for rest. Pretty welcome to us and I don’t believe the infantry which we were attached to kicked any. It is rather difficult to express ones feelings in the different places, so just imagine the about with shells shrieking, machine gun tattoo (mostly going out, but not all of them for a minute) and you can get a little of the feeling. Finally took up back some more and then a little more to where we are now. We have a few bombs when the nights are favorable but are not shelled. Sleep in our cars in the street. Well a few days ago w were invited into the Bureau to have some punch and to my surprise, Lieut. Richmond suggested a toast to myself and three others who had been given the Croix de Guerre, Divisional which bears a silver star. It is the highest of those bearing the star. The only one higher is the palm. (Ours is pinned on by the commanding general, who I am waiting for at this writing) I wired the folks so you may know before this arrives. The citation reads that we made very rapid evacuations under machine gun fire, etc even to the most forward lines and showed great courage and endurance. It was a fine surprise I can tell you. Have on my service stripe now and hope I will be able to see the folks at home before another one shows up. Well just be sure and let me know when you get here and I’ll try to get leave to see you. Ted (O.K. Lt. D. R. Salisbury)

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April 16, 1918 Dear Brother Theron: Received a letter from you yesterday mailed March 22nd will answer it now. So far have not heard a word from Jack, but for the last few weeks have been on the move. We left our sector where we have been practically all winter for repoe. Troops marched and we picked up those who were sick or unable to keep up. On arriving at our destination was notified that I and four other lads could go to Aux la Bains on leave. Went through Paris and took in the cafes and show. Then on to Bains. Arrived in morning and that eve received a telegram to return to section at once. Found our section on the 25th directly in the center of the big push. Went on duty that evening and that night we had four different posts. We would leave when Fritz came in one end of the town. Had nine posts in less than four days. You see we were in an entirely new sector, no maps, no lights, roads crowded with trucks, refugees, ambulances, staff cars and animals. The artillery fire was deafening, never ceasing from morning to night. Then when you took a load of wounded to a hospital it was a toss up as to who would greet you at the post (Fritz or French). Also you might start for one hospital- find it full or evacuated and hunt for another which might be the same (This at night as well as day) in a strange sector. Well to make it short we were finally relieved after a week of this and taken a little ways back for rest. Pretty welcome to us and I don’t believe the infantry which we were attached to kicked any. It is rather difficult to express ones feelings in the different places, so just imagine the about with shells shrieking, machine gun tattoo (mostly going out, but not all of them for a minute) and you can get a little of the feeling. Finally took up back some more and then a little more to where we are now. We have a few bombs when the nights are favorable but are not shelled. Sleep in our cars in the street. Well a few days ago w were invited into the Bureau to have some punch and to my surprise, Lieut. Richmond suggested a toast to myself and three others who had been given the Croix de Guerre, Divisional which bears a silver star. It is the highest of those bearing the star. The only one higher is the palm. (Ours is pinned on by the commanding general, who I am waiting for at this writing) I wired the folks so you may know before this arrives. The citation reads that we made very rapid evacuations under machine gun fire, etc even to the most forward lines and showed great courage and endurance. It was a fine surprise I can tell you. Have on my service stripe now and hope I will be able to see the folks at home before another one shows up. Well just be sure and let me know when you get here and I’ll try to get leave to see you. Ted (O.K. Lt. D. R. Salisbury)